The Vancouver Port Commission took action to approve a rail expansion project for one of its maritime tenants, and approved acquisition of property from Bonneville Power Administration, in its meeting.

The port conducted negotiations with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to acquire approximately 8.7 acres of land located beneath the currently existing BPA transmission lines at the port’s terminals 3 and 4. Acquisition of the property allows the port to maintain control of the property and provide for future flexibility of operations at the two terminals.

The purchase price of the property is $600,000.

Commissioners also voted to authorize the port’s Executive Director Larry Paulson to sign a public works contract for the NuStar Rail Expansion Project. When finished, the project will serve as the infrastructure to support the NuStar methanol facility, which is currently under construction. The scope of the project includes: labor, materials, tools, equipment and supervision necessary to perform the construction of a rail track system to be completed by October 31, 2007.

NuStar ’ formerly Valero LP ’ is a bulk and liquid bulk handler at the port’s terminal two, and leases property and buildings from the port for its operations. The port owns the property and the buildings. Port staff conducted the open bidding process, and confirmed that Rotschy (Yacolt, WA) was the most responsive and most responsible bidder, whose bid of not to exceed $1,353,603, including Washington State sales tax, was deemed the most appropriate.